Deaths at home during the Covid-19 pandemic and implications for patients and services

Deaths at home during the Covid-19 pandemic and implications for patients and services There has been a steady increase in the numbers of people dying at home in recent years. These trends became entrenched during the pandemic, which could reflect people fearful of Covid-19 in hospitals and care homes just as much as broader patient preferences for dying at home. So did those dying in their place of residence receive the care they needed, at a good standard? This new research sheds light on the services used by people who died at home in England, before and during the first year of the pandemic. Nuffield Trust

Is Hewitt turning the tide of performance management or swimming against it?

Is Hewitt turning the tide of performance management or swimming against it? Patricia Hewitt’s independent review of integrated care systems (ICSs) is aimed squarely at one of the biggest challenges facing ICSs – the strong culture of top-down performance management in the NHS. The reforms introduced by the 2022 Health and Care Act, with their focus on collaboration across boundaries in local systems, represent a direct challenge to this hierarchical culture, and without a new approach to accountability in the NHS there is little hope of ICSs living up to their original promise. The King's Fund

Understanding the primary care research landscape

Understanding the primary care research landscape Research is a key driver of innovation and improvement. In the NHS it is a vital tool in improving medicines, patient care and pathways, as well as staff wellbeing. The majority of research in the NHS is currently carried out in secondary care, with very little primary care involvement. As a result, the quality of research in the NHS can be restricted in its scope by a smaller patient base and the range of conditions and experiences which present in hospital settings. NHS Confederation

Patients at risk during doctor strike - NHS bosses

Patients at risk during doctor strike - NHS bosses Hospital bosses in England say they cannot guarantee patient safety during next week's four-day strike by junior doctors.

London's Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust conceded patients could be harmed as managers struggle to staff rotas.

Other hospital bosses also voiced concerns over the walkout, which will affect both emergency and planned care.

The British Medical Association has refused to exempt any services but says it has plans to protect patients. BBC News

See also:

• 'Concerned doesn't begin to describe it' NHS Providers
• 'Concerned doesn't even begin to describe it': NHS bosses fear carnage from next week's devastating four-day junior doctors' strike The Daily Mail
• Why the next junior doctors' strike will put patients at 'unprecedented' risk The Daily Telegraph
• ‘Disruptive’ strike by NHS junior doctors gives rise to concerns over patient safety The Independent
• Hospital leaders fear for patient safety ahead of 'unprecedented' strike by junior doctors Sky News

Judge says parents and children should receive infected blood payments

Judge says parents and children should receive infected blood payments The parents and children of victims of the contaminated blood scandal should receive government compensation, a judge has said.

The chairman of the infected blood public inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, said it was time to "recognise deaths which have so far gone unrecognised".

More than 3,000 people died after contracting HIV or hepatitis C via NHS treatments in the 1970s and 80s.

The government must now respond to the recommendations. BBC News

New tool can spot those most at risk of developing lung cancer, say researchers

New tool can spot those most at risk of developing lung cancer, say researchers Lives could be saved by a new tool that identifies those most at risk of developing lung cancer, according to researchers.

The CanPredict tool can spot those most at risk of developing the disease over the next decade and put them forward for screening tests earlier, researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Nottingham said. The Independent

See also:

• Predicting the future risk of lung cancer: development, and internal and external validation of the CanPredict (lung) model in 19·67 million people and evaluation of model performance against seven other risk prediction models (open access) The Lancet Respiratory Medicine

NHS in England to offer pioneering cancer drug to patients with ‘Jolie gene’

NHS in England to offer pioneering cancer drug to patients with ‘Jolie gene’ Health watchdog reverses decision not to recommend olaparib for patients with genetic fault

The NHS in England is to offer thousands of cancer patients the world’s first cancer drug to target an inherited genetic fault, after a U-turn by the health watchdog.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) opted last year not to recommend olaparib for breast cancer patients with the so-called “Angelina Jolie gene” because of its high cost. The pioneering drug’s list price is £2,317.50 for one pack of 150mg tablets, excluding VAT. The Guardian

See also:

• NHS strikes landmark deal for drug to treat two most common cancers NHS England
• Olaparib: Drug to treat inherited cancers offered on NHS in England and Wales BBC News
• Cancer patients to receive ‘life-changing’ AstraZeneca drug through NHS The Independent

Most vulnerable in Northamptonshire invited to book Covid-19 Spring jabs

Most vulnerable in Northamptonshire invited to book Covid-19 Spring jabs Thousands of the most vulnerable people in Northamptonshire are being invited to top-up their protection from coronavirus and book a Spring Covid-19 vaccine from today (Wednesday, April 5).

Eligible groups for Spring Covid-19 jabs include residents in care homes for older people, people who are 75 and over and adults and children (aged five and over) with a weakened immune system. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Retaining NHS nurses: what do trends in staff turnover tell us?

Retaining NHS nurses: what do trends in staff turnover tell us? Nurse shortages are a key contributor to NHS workforce shortages. Registered nurse posts consistently account for more than a third of all full-time equivalent vacancies in NHS trusts in England.

Understanding how the NHS competes for nurses is crucial for better workforce planning and pay determination. In this analysis we examine the movement of employees into and out of the NHS nurse labour market in England between 2011/12 and 2021/22. The Health Foundation

Vacancy rates reach 23% in speech and language therapy

Vacancy rates reach 23% in speech and language therapy In January 2023 we asked managers of speech and language therapy services to tell us about vacancy rates and recruitment issues both in the NHS and the independent sector.

The results paint a shocking picture with the average vacancy rate reaching 23% across the UK. Of the managers who responded, 96% managing children’s services and 90% managing adult services said recruitment is more or much more challenging than at any time in the last three years. This is pan-sector with vacancies just as high, if not higher, in non-NHS services. Royal College of Speech and Language Therapy

See also:

• Survey finds ‘alarming’ number of vacancies in speech and language therapy Evening Standard

Independent report: Hewitt Review: an independent review of integrated care systems

Independent report: Hewitt Review: an independent review of integrated care systems The review set out to consider the oversight and governance of integrated care systems (ICSs). Each ICS has an integrated care board (ICB), a statutory organisation responsible for developing a plan for meeting the health needs of the population, managing the NHS budget and arranging for the provision of health services in the ICS area. ICBs include representatives from local authorities, primary care and NHS trusts and foundation trusts.

The review covered ICSs in England and the NHS targets and priorities for which ICBs are accountable, including those set out in the government’s mandate to NHS England.

The government is now considering the recommendations made by the review. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Findings of independent review of ICSs published Department of Health and Social Care
• GPs must be central to discussions about the future of general practice BMA
• Hewitt calls for 10-year capital plan and payment system review Healthcare Financial Management Association 
• LGA response to the Hewitt Review of ICS accountability and autonomy Local Government Association
• NHS Confederation responds to the Hewitt Review NHS Confederation
• Hewitt review: what you need to know NHS Confederation
• NHS Providers responds to the Hewitt Review NHS Providers
• On the day briefing: The Hewitt Review NHS Providers
• RCN responds to Hewitt Review Royal College of Nursing
• RPS England responds to Hewitt Review Royal Pharmaceutical Society
• Raft of NHS targets should be axed and best-performing bosses given more freedom to improve ailing £150bn-a-year service, Government-ordered review states The Daily Mail
• The NHS review asks the wrong questions The Daily Telegraph
• NHS leaders broadly welcome Patricia Hewitt’s review of healthcare Evening Standard
• How to read between the lines of the Hewitt review Health Service Journal
• NHS leaders broadly welcome Patricia Hewitt’s review of healthcare The Independent
• Hewitt: align council and NHS budgets to help ICSs unlock potential Local Government Chronicle
• Hewitt recommendations for general practice contract reform Pulse

Next steps to put people at the heart of care: a plan for adult social care system reform 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025

Next steps to put people at the heart of care: a plan for adult social care system reform 2023 to 2024 and 2024 to 2025 This document sets out how the government proposes to make sure adult social care is of outstanding quality, personalised and accessible. It details how £700 million will be spent, including investment in: improved access to care and support; recognising skills for careers in care; driving digitisation and technology adoption; data and local authority oversight; support to enable people to remain independent at home; encouraging innovation and improvement; and joining up services to support people and carers. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Government sets out next steps to support social care Department of Health and Social Care
• Funding changes signal an end to the government’s ambitious social care reform package Institute for Government
• Health Foundation response to social care plan The Health Foundation
• The King’s Fund responds to government social care reform package The King's Fund
• NHS Confederation responds to cut to funding for social care training NHS Confederation
• NHS Providers responds to social care workforce funding cut NHS Providers
• Government roll back on funding for social care a disgrace The Patients Association
• Government halves promised social care funding Royal College of Physicians
• Cuts to social care reform funding are a betrayal Nuffield Trust
• Fund for social care workforce has halved, ministers confirm The Daily Telegraph
• Adult social care budget cut ‘deeply disappointing’ Local Government Chronicle
• Charities accuse government of halving social care funding pledge Sky News

Rare tick disease found in England

Rare tick disease found in England A virus carried by ticks, which is common in many parts of the world, is now present in the UK and health officials are reminding the public how to avoid bites from the tiny bugs.

They say the risk of tick-borne encephalitis is very low - only one person is confirmed to have been infected in England so far, last year.

But the tick species which carries the virus is widespread in the UK.

Most people do not develop symptoms but swelling to the brain is possible. BBC News

See also:

• Tick-borne encephalitis detection in England UK Health Security Agency
• HAIRS risk assessment: tick-borne encephalitis UK Health Security Agency
• Tick bite risks and prevention of Lyme disease: resources UK Health Security Agency
• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) NHS UK
• Deadly virus from tick bites that causes flu-like symptoms found in three patients in the UK The Daily Mail
• Hikers urged to check themselves for ticks after deadly virus found in UK The Guardian
• Tick-Borne Encephalitis Has Arrived In England. Should You Worry? Huffington Post UK
• Warning as deadly tick-borne virus detected in several areas in England The Independent
• Tick-borne virus detected in several areas in England, UKHSA warns Sky News

'Major moment in MS research' as new Octopus trial starts

'Major moment in MS research' as new Octopus trial starts Ailsa, now 47, is taking part in a groundbreaking new trial, which is looking into whether existing drugs can be repurposed to help slow MS progression.

The way it is designed means several drugs can be tried at the same time, and more can be added or dropped as results emerge.

The Octopus trial - so-called because it is a multi-arm, multi-stage trial - is being run by Prof Jeremy Chataway, from the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery UCLH in London, with £13m in funding from the UK's MS Society.

A similar trial design has been used to test drugs for prostate cancer and Covid. BBC News

Short works breaks do not prevent mental fatigue or increase efficiency – study

Short works breaks do not prevent mental fatigue or increase efficiency – study Stopping for tea breaks while at work does nothing to make people more efficient or prevent them from feeling tired, research suggests.

A study that simulated an office day – with tasks involving attention, concentration, learning, and memory – showed that healthy men who took a 10-minute break every 50 minutes were more likely to experience mental exhaustion. The Independent

See also:

• Regular short-duration breaks do not prevent mental fatigue and decline in cognitive efficiency in healthy young men during an office-like simulated mental working day: An EEG study (abstract) International Journal of Psychophysiology

NHS trust warned doctors on visas who chose to strike will be reported to BORDER FORCE

NHS trust warned doctors on visas who chose to strike will be reported to BORDER FORCE An NHS trust has sparked fury after warning that immigrant doctors who take to picket lines could be referred to Border Force. 

An unnamed medic at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust messaged staff to warn that any medic on a work visa who strikes would have their 'absence' reported to the Home Office — which could make any future visa renewals 'problematic'. 

The message, which was circulated on social media, drew the ire of junior medics and the British Medical Association (BMA), which said it 'will unnecessarily instil fear and doubt' among doctors. The Daily Mail

See also:

• BMA reassures international doctors of their right to strike BMA
• We’re always fully supportive of everyone’s right to strike without judgement, fear or consequence (Twitter) Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
• London NHS trust criticised after warning to striking staff on visas BBC News
• London NHS trust apologises after striking doctors warned they will be reported to Border Force Evening Standard
• Critically ill patients ‘will inevitably die’ due to junior doctors’ strike The Guardian
• As a cardiac surgeon, I am extremely concerned about risks of delaying surgery by strikes The Guardian
• Striking migrant doctors received WhatsApp warning them they’d be reported to Border Force iNews

GPs working long hours are up to 5 times more likely to prescribe opioids and antibiotics

GPs working long hours are up to 5 times more likely to prescribe opioids and antibiotics GPs working long hours are up to five times more likely to prescribe high levels of opioids and antibiotics, a study found.

Those experiencing signs of burnout such as emotional exhaustion, feeling detached from colleagues and patients and lower job satisfaction were more likely to overprescribe medications.

This was particularly true in more deprived areas, according to the government-backed study. The Daily Mail

See also:

• The association of strong opioids and antibiotics prescribing with general practitioner burnout (open access) British Journal of General Practice

New discharge lounge planned for Northampton General Hospital will help ease pressure

New discharge lounge planned for Northampton General Hospital will help ease pressure Northampton General Hospital is creating a new discharge lounge to support patients leaving hospital and their families.

The discharge lounge will support up to 16 patients – with four rooms and 12 chairs - and is at the Cliftonville Trust entrance. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

The cap on medical and dental student numbers in the UK

The cap on medical and dental student numbers in the UK This briefing provides an overview of government policy on training doctors and dentists in the UK. It highlights calls to lift the cap on medical and dental school places and explains some of the associated challenges. House of Commons Library

NHS England’s three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services

NHS England’s three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services On 30 March 2023 NHS England published a three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services. Following several national plans and reports, including the reports by Donna Ockenden and Dr Bill Kirkup, the plan brings together the key objectives services are asked to deliver against over the next three years. This briefing summarises the key contents of the plan. NHS Providers

From delegation to integration: lessons from early delegation of primary pharmacy, ophthalmology and dentistry commissioning to integrated care boards

From delegation to integration: lessons from early delegation of primary pharmacy, ophthalmology and dentistry commissioning to integrated care boards Delegation of primary pharmacy, ophthalmology and dentistry (POD) from NHS England to integrated care boards (ICBs) on 1 April 2023, provides an opportunity to transform care for patients but will need a realistic timetable and smooth transition if this transformation is to be achieved. This report provides evidence from nine ‘early adopter’ ICBs and argues that closer local collaboration between NHS systems and frontline providers can be the single biggest to driver to address local provision challenges. NHS Confederation

Independent report: Higher-risk patients eligible for COVID-19 treatments: independent advisory group report (March 2023)

Independent report: Higher-risk patients eligible for COVID-19 treatments: independent advisory group report (March 2023) Update to the independent advisory group report that identifies which patient groups are at highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and would benefit from new COVID-19 treatments. Department of Health and Social Care

UK’s next generation of medical researchers given funding boost

UK’s next generation of medical researchers given funding boost Over 1,200 researchers in medical research charities will receive over £50 million in funding to help solve some of the biggest global health challenges and secure the future of the UK’s world-class life sciences sector.

Announced by Science Minister George Freeman, Sunday 2 April, the funding will support researchers across 90 charities early on in their careers at a time when the UK is committing record amounts to R&D, reaching £20 billion a year by 2024/25. The £50 million investment is aimed at sparking a new wave of revolutionary medical research across the industry, including in dementia, motor neurone disease and brain tumour research. Department of Health and Social Care

Social care reform funding halved for England, government confirms

Social care reform funding halved for England, government confirms Funding promised to develop the social care workforce in England has been halved, the government has confirmed.

In 2021 the government pledged "at least" £500 million for reforms, to be spent on training places and technology over three years.

But that figure is now £250 million, according to the Department of Health.

A coalition of charities said this cut is "just the latest in a long series of disappointments" over social care. BBC News

See also:

• Millions cut from funding commitments for social care Evening Standard
• Halving social care workforce funding in England an ‘insult’, ministers told The Guardian
• Tory ministers accused of ‘insult’ to social care as reform funding halved The Independent
• Millions cut from promised social care funding labelled ‘an insult to the sector’ ITV News

England's new ambulance numbers not 800 promised, figures show

England's new ambulance numbers not 800 promised, figures show The number of new ambulances in England will be far less than the hundreds promised by the government, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

In January, 800 new ambulances were announced, with a 10% fleet increase.

But vehicles being ordered by trusts are mostly replacements they were prevented from purchasing because of procurement changes and the pandemic.

NHS England said it was "delivering on its urgent and emergency care recovery plan". BBC News

Essex mental health inquiry: Staff could be compelled to give evidence

Essex mental health inquiry: Staff could be compelled to give evidence The government is actively considering whether to give full legal powers to an independent inquiry investigating the deaths of mental health patients.

Roughly 2,000 deaths at the Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) are being examined.

The BBC understands Conservative Health Secretary Stephen Barclay is minded to make the inquiry statutory, which would compel witnesses to come forward. BBC News

NHS consultants to be balloted over strike action

NHS consultants to be balloted over strike action NHS consultants will be balloted over strike action next month, the British Medical Association has announced.

Senior doctors will vote from May 15 on whether to strike over pay in a move that could deepen the NHS crisis.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay has agreed to pay talks with the union to avert potential strike action. Evening Standard

See also:

• NHS consultants in England to be balloted in May for industrial action BMA
• BMA delays ballot on consultant strike, as government talks continue The BMJ

Antibiotics and resistance ‘two-way street’ between animals and humans – study

Antibiotics and resistance ‘two-way street’ between animals and humans – study Antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a two-way street between animals and humans, researchers have suggested.

The findings reveal the use of antibiotics in animals like cattle, pigs and chickens is associated with AMR in humans and using antibiotics in humans is linked with resistance in animals.

Experts across the world are determined to slow down the rise in AMR, which is partly fuelled by unnecessary use of antibiotics. The Independent

See also:

• Global antimicrobial-resistance drivers: an ecological country-level study at the human–animal interface (open access) The Lancet Planetary Health

NHS should abolish raft of national targets, Patricia Hewitt review says

NHS should abolish raft of national targets, Patricia Hewitt review says The NHS should abolish a raft of national targets while shifting its focus towards preventing ill health, according to a review by a former Labour health secretary.

The study by Patricia Hewitt, commissioned by the Government and officially published on Tuesday, says a few targets help concentrate minds but having too many makes them less effective.

It comes as the NHS continues to miss major targets on A&E waits, ambulance response times and cancer waits and treatment times. The Independent

See also:

• NHS should abolish raft of national targets, Patricia Hewitt says Evening Standard
• NHS England should scrap many of its national targets, review says The Guardian

Healthy Start NHS food voucher scheme has ‘pitifully’ low take-up

Healthy Start NHS food voucher scheme has ‘pitifully’ low take-up The government has missed its target to increase the take-up of NHS healthy food vouchers aimed at vulnerable parents of young children, it has emerged, despite soaring grocery prices and rising food poverty.

The latest figures show that take-up of the ill-starred Healthy Start scheme, designed to help pregnant women and parents of under-fours in low-income families pay for fruit, vegetables, milk, and baby milk powder, has barely shifted in a year. The Guardian

Backlog in NHS genome service leaves families facing long wait for results

Backlog in NHS genome service leaves families facing long wait for results Families of children with rare genetic disorders are being made to wait more than a year for genome sequencing results under a flagship NHS programme, the Guardian has learned.

Senior doctors said worsening backlogs in the Genomics Medicines Service risked children not accessing treatments or support designed to give them the best outcomes. In other cases, parents wishing to know if their child has an inherited genetic condition in order to plan future pregnancies are being left in limbo for unacceptable time periods, experts said.

HRT could help ward off dementia - but only if women take it when their menopause begins

HRT could help ward off dementia - but only if women take it when their menopause begins Hormone replacement therapy can reduce the risk of dementia in women with early menopause – but only if they start treatment promptly, a study suggests.

Women make up around two-thirds of people with Alzheimer's, with early menopause linked to a heightened risk of the illness.

Now a study claims that those who are prescribed HRT from the onset of symptoms are at no greater risk. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Association of Age at Menopause and Hormone Therapy Use With Tau and β-Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography (abstract) JAMA Neurology

Have your say on Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals and how services can be improved

Have your say on Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals and  how services can be improved A patient panel is being launched across both Northampton General and Kettering General Hospitals to help ensure patients’ and carers’ voices are heard.

The patient experience teams at both hospitals have developed the panel idea - which will work to improve services across both hospitals - as a new way for patients, carers, and their families to get involved in the development of services. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Dying well at home: Three things I’ve learnt about working with patients, carers and families in end-of-life care.

Dying well at home: Three things I’ve learnt about working with patients, carers and families in end-of-life care. In the project, we explored how NHS and local authority commissioners in England measure and assure the quality of the end-of-life care for people who die at home and how they identify and tackle inequalities in commissioning services. As part of the project, we held a focus group and workshop with families and carers who cared for a loved one during the pandemic. The King's Fund

Waiting for prosperity: Modelling the economic benefits of reducing elective waiting lists in the NHS

Waiting for prosperity: Modelling the economic benefits of reducing elective waiting lists in the NHS As well as compelling moral reasons to reduce NHS waiting lists, there is also a convincing economic case to go further and faster on elective recovery. We find that delivering against the target set by the Elective Recovery Plan would deliver an estimated increase in production of £73 billion over five years.

But delivering a 30 per cent increase in elective activity is a challenging task – and not one that data suggest will happen without further policy intervention. To help identify immediate opportunities for intervention, in this report we explore the most pressing bottlenecks in the elective treatment pathways. Institute for Public Policy Research

See also:

• Boost the economy by offering routine NHS surgery at the weekend Evening Standard

Exploring perceptions of green social prescribing among clinicians and the public

Exploring perceptions of green social prescribing among clinicians and the public Green social prescribing (GSP) is the practice of supporting people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental health. Preventing and tackling mental ill-health through green social prescribing is a cross-government project that was launched in October 2020. By effectively implementing GSP, the project aims to: improve mental health outcomes; reduce health inequalities; reduce demand on the health and social care system; and develop best practice at a local level. This report focusses on public and clinical perceptions of GSP. Department of Health and Social Care

New scheme for cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy launches

New scheme for cheaper Hormone Replacement Therapy launches Women experiencing symptoms of the menopause can now access cheaper hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – the main treatment for menopause symptoms – helping to save hundreds of pounds in prescription charges.

The new HRT prepayment certificate (PPC) being rolled out from the 1st of April will reduce prescription costs to just £19.30 per year and can be used against a list of eligible HRT items which includes patches, tablets and topical preparations. Patients can use the HRT PPC as many times as they need across the year. Department of Health and Social Care

See also:

• Hormone replacement therapy and menopause: What you need to know about HRT BBC News
• Website crashes as women battling menopause try to get new £19.30 certificate for HRT prescriptions The Daily Mail
• NHS website crash prevents access to cheaper HRT in England The Guardian
• NHS website crash stops women getting cheaper HRT after price cut The Independent
• Cheaper HRT prescriptions launched for women going through menopause ITV News
• How to get an HRT prescription prepayment certificate Metro
• HRT prescriptions now cheaper as cost of menopause treatment cut to less than £20 a year Sky News

NHS hits milestone of 200 children with Hep C treated in bid to stamp out virus

NHS hits milestone of 200 children with Hep C treated in bid to stamp out virus Two hundred children in England have now received life-saving treatment for hepatitis C as part of a world-first NHS programme, according to latest figures.

Thanks to a new national service, the children – aged three to 18 years – were identified for treatment over the past two years and became the first in the world to receive curative anti-viral tablets with a treatment success rate of 99%. NHS England

Covid booster vaccine available for most vulnerable

Covid booster vaccine available for most vulnerable The NHS in England is launching a spring booster vaccine campaign against Covid-19 for people most at risk of serious illness from the disease.

Around five million are eligible, including people aged 75 and over, some people with weakened immune systems, and older residents in care homes.

From Monday, older adults in care homes are expected to begin receiving their vaccines, given by visiting NHS teams.

Other eligible people will be able to receive jabs from mid-April. BBC News

See also:

• NHS launches spring covid jab campaign for five million most vulnerable people NHS England
• Covid booster vaccine to be offered to millions in England next week The Guardian
• Covid booster jab rollout to begin for 5 million most vulnerable people The Independent
• COVID booster vaccine drive to begin next week - with five million people in England eligible for jab Sky News

Tuberculosis warning as cases of disease rise for first time in decades in Europe

Tuberculosis warning as cases of disease rise for first time in decades in Europe Disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic is being blamed for the first recorded rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases and deaths in Europe for two decades.

Some 27,300 people died from TB in the World Health Organisation’s Europe region in 2021, up from 27,000 deaths the previous year, according to a new surveillance report by the WHO and European Union’s disease prevention agency. The Independent

See also:

• Tuberculosis surveillance and monitoring in Europe 2023: 2021 data World Health Organization
• Unfinished business: the challenge of ending tuberculosis in the European Region World Health Organization

Menopause symptoms could be treated with testosterone patch in world-first

Menopause symptoms could be treated with testosterone patch in world-first Researchers in the UK are developing the world’s only testosterone patch aimed at easing symptoms experienced as a result of the menopause.

Low levels of testosterone following the menopause can cause low libido, and are also linked to a loss of energy, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. The Independent

See also:

• First testosterone patch for menopausal women to begin clinical trials this year The Guardian

Thousands of children in England facing ‘unacceptable’ NHS delays

Thousands of children in England facing ‘unacceptable’ NHS delays Thousands of children experiencing “unacceptable” long waits for NHS treatment face a “lifelong” impact on their health, a senior doctor has warned, as shocking figures reveal that nearly 15,000 paediatric operations were cancelled over the last year.

Dr Camilla Kingdon, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said the mounting treatment backlog in England risked “serious” and “devastating” physical and mental consequences for children and their families. The Guardian

Failed IT systems at Capita fuel fears of cyber-attack on crucial NHS provider

Failed IT systems at Capita fuel fears of cyber-attack on crucial NHS provider Computer systems abruptly stopped working at outsourcing group Capita on Friday morning, triggering fears that a company that runs crucial operations for the NHS and the military could be under cyber-attack.

Staff are understood to have been unable to access IT systems at the outsourcing company since Friday morning, with an early investigation yet to establish the cause. The Guardian

See also:

• British govt tech supplier Capita crippled by 'IT issue' The Register
• UK outsourcer Capita says no data compromised after cyber incident Reuters

NHS hospital triggers outrage after staff are promised 'goodies' for rapidly discharging patients

NHS hospital triggers outrage after staff are promised 'goodies' for rapidly discharging patients An NHS hospital has triggered outrage after offering medical teams chocolate prizes for rapidly discharging patients.

NHS bosses have urged all hospitals to free up beds ahead of the Easter weekend and the junior doctors' strike.

But one hospital was forced to apologise after it offered boxes of chocolates to those who were the speediest at sending patients home. The Daily Mail

Fury as NHS's maternity plan to prevent more tragedies will be unsafely staffed for FIVE YEARS

Fury as NHS's maternity plan to prevent more tragedies will be unsafely staffed for FIVE YEARS Tragedy-stricken NHS maternity units face being unsafely staffed for another five years, officials admitted today.

Damning inquiries into devastating scandals, which saw hundreds of mothers and babies harmed, partly blamed a lack of midwifery staff. 

Yet NHS bosses have given hospitals until 2027/28 to ensure they meet workforce requirements. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Three year delivery plan for maternity and neonatal services NHS England

Thousands of women miss out on vital breast cancer scans because they have to book themselves

Thousands of women miss out on vital breast cancer scans because they have to book themselves Women's lives are in danger from having to book their own mammograms, as evidence suggests thousands are missing out on vital breast cancer checks.

Before the pandemic, all women received mammogram appointments with a set date and time.

But the NHS now recommends 'open invitations', which require women to call and book their own appointment. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Did the use of open invitations in place of timed appointment invitations reduce the uptake of breast screening in the London region during the COVID-19 recovery? (open access) Journal of Medical Screening

Birthday event for Recovery College NHFT celebrates five years of supporting recovery

Birthday event for Recovery College NHFT celebrates five years of supporting recovery A host of dignitaries and guests joined a special birthday event celebrating five fantastic years of helping people on their health recovery journey.

Recovery College NHFT, run by Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, held its fifth birthday celebration on March 29 at the Sikh Community Centre in Northampton, in the presence of key healthcare professionals, as well as many of those who have benefited from both developing, and attending, the college’s well-being courses. Northamptonshire Telegraph

The hidden problems behind delayed discharges and their costs

The hidden problems behind delayed discharges and their costs In the past six months, there has been a rapid increase in the number of people experiencing delayed discharge from hospitals in England, with the number of patients remaining in hospital overnight who no longer meet the criteria to remain averaging 13,771 in February 2023. That’s up from 12,589 on average in April, an increase of 9.4 per cent. The King's Fund

RCP view on healthcare sustainability and climate change

RCP view on healthcare sustainability and climate change The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has published a new position paper on healthcare sustainability and climate change setting out recommendations to improve the sustainability of healthcare and reduce the health impacts of climate change.  

Climate change represents the biggest long-term threat to human health.

Lack of reimbursement leaves home haemodialysis patients left out in the cold, according to new report

Lack of reimbursement leaves home haemodialysis patients left out in the cold, according to new report According to a Kidney Care UK report released today, one third of home dialysis patients are not receiving any reimbursement from their trusts and less than a third of trusts are reimbursing patients using the appropriate tariff. This is despite the fact that NHS trusts receive funds from NHS England to pay for reimbursements.

See also:

• NHS payments 'not reaching' at-home dialysis patients Evening Standard

Integrated Care Systems: autonomy and accountability

Integrated Care Systems: autonomy and accountability This report into new partnerships aimed at delivering joined-up health and care services is calling for the Government and NHS England to address key concerns if an opportunity to deliver change is to be realised. It found enthusiasm for the potential of Integrated Care Systems to deliver on challenges facing the health and care sectors. However, it warns of a lack of clarity in some areas with risks that short-term pressures could be given priority over longer term ambitions such as preventing ill-health. Health and Social Care Select Committee

MPs lament NHS and Government complaints body’s “lack of ambition” to return to pre-pandemic service delivery levels

MPs lament NHS and Government complaints body’s “lack of ambition” to return to pre-pandemic service delivery levels The Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee has today published its report on the performance of the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) from 2021-22.

The Committee raises concerns with the PHSO continuing its policy of not considering less serious health complaints, introduced to reduce the backlog of cases resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite successfully reducing caseload levels, MPs do not see the policy as an “appropriate long-term solution”. MPs note it is “regrettable” that the organisation makes no reference in its recent corporate strategy for 2022-25 to how it will cope with the ongoing impacts of Covid-19 and high levels of cases.

See also:

• MPs criticise NHS ombudsman for not investigating ‘less serious’ complaints The Independent

COVID-19 testing approach from April 2023

COVID-19 testing approach from April 2023 Changes to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing will come into effect on 1 April 2023, to ensure testing continues to focus on those at highest risk, enables appropriate clinical treatment and supports the management of outbreaks in high-risk settings including health and social care.

Testing in England can now be further aligned with the management of other common respiratory infections thanks to the ongoing success of the vaccination programme, increased access to therapeutic treatments and high immunity amongst the population. UK Health Security Agency

See also:

• Guidance: COVID-19: testing from 1 April 2023 UK Health Security Agency
• Official Statistics: PPE disposals, donations and sales, up to 28 February 2023 Department of Health and Social Care
• Research and analysis: Face coverings and COVID-19: statement from an expert panel UK Health Security Agency
• Official Statistics: National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports: 2022 to 2023 season UK Health Security Agency
• Covid testing scaled back further in England BBC News
• Nando's-style Covid alert levels are binned just as cases are starting to rise again The Daily Mail
• NHS Covid-19 app to close down on 27 April following decline in users Digital Health
• Government disposed of 3bn items of PPE bought in pandemic, data shows The Guardian
• Routine Covid testing ends in the NHS and care homes except for highest risk iNews

UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive group A strep

UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive group A strep The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that scarlet fever notifications are in line with what we would expect to see at this time of year, and have significantly reduced since the peak in December 2022. However, iGAS notifications remain higher than normally seen at this point in the season. UK Health Security Agency

Policy paper: NHS mandate 2022 to 2023

Policy paper: NHS mandate 2022 to 2023 The government’s mandate to NHS England confirms their objectives and budgets for the year ahead.

The financial directions published alongside (revised on 30 March 2023) provide further details on how NHS England’s budget is broken down. Department of Health and Social Care

Bring in four-day week to stop exodus of NHS workers, say campaigners

Bring in four-day week to stop exodus of NHS workers, say campaigners Moving towards a four-day working week across the NHS could help tackle burnout and stem the exodus of exhausted health workers, campaigners argue in a new report.

The 4 Day Week Campaign, which recently oversaw a successful pilot involving more than 60 companies, is now urging public sector employers to experiment with a shorter working week. The Guardian

See also:

• Four day week in the NHS: Tackling burnout, overwork and poor staff retention rates 4 Day Week

NHS seeking views on centralising patient data from public and private sector

NHS seeking views on centralising patient data from public and private sector The NHS is inviting people to express their views on the health service collecting data from private healthcare facilities in a bid to improve oversight and enhance patient care.

The moves comes after the Paterson Inquiry recommended centralising data on all consultant-led activity to give the NHS better insight into the quality of treatment being delivered across the public and private sector. National Health Executive

Warning over string of fatal overdoses from online pharmacies selling dangerous drugs

Warning over string of fatal overdoses from online pharmacies selling dangerous drugs Dangerous drugs are still being 'freely marketed' online despite a series of deaths over the past decade, experts have warned.

Medication bought through online pharmacies have led to the deaths of a number of people in the UK, analysis of coroners' records found.

Yet despite a number of recommendations designed to clampdown on the supply of prescription and unlicenced drugs over the internet, a lack of regulation means the potentially fatal drugs are still available. The Daily Mail

See also:

• ‘Pandemic of tragedy’: the deaths caused by gaps in online drug supply regulations The Pharmaceutical Journal

Hope for thousands with haemophilia in form of new injection

Hope for thousands with haemophilia in form of new injection A monthly injection could transform the life of haemophilia patients after it was found to significantly reduce bleeds.

Trials of the treatment, called fitusiran, found it stopped bleeds in up to two-thirds (66 per cent) of patients with haemophillia A or B.

Experts say the preventative treatment could soon improve patients’ daily lives by slashing the number of hospital trips. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Fitusiran prophylaxis in people with severe haemophilia A or haemophilia B without inhibitors (ATLAS-A/B): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial (abstract) The Lancet Haematology

One size doesn’t fit all: reimagining medicines information for patients

One size doesn’t fit all: reimagining medicines information for patients This report investigates the current medicines product information paradigm and whether it can be enhanced to more positively influence both patient experience of and adherence with prescription medication. The report also explores if an opportunity exists to improve how this information might be provided in the future using digital solutions with the aim of increasing its value to patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Patients, carers, healthcare professionals (HCPs) and senior healthcare system stakeholders were asked what they think about current medicines product information, and if it could be improved using digital solutions. Kent Surrey Sussex Academic Health Science Network

Supporting clinicians to address health inequalities in practice

Supporting clinicians to address health inequalities in practice This report looked at clinicians’ confidence in talking about and understanding health inequalities. It finds that most clinicians feel they haven't received enough training on health inequalities and would like more as part of their medical education. Of the almost 1,000 clinicians surveyed, 67 per cent of respondents had not received teaching or training in health inequalities within a training programme or as part of their degree, and only 26 per cent felt confident in their ability to reduce the impact of health inequalities in their medical practice. Royal College of Physicians

Regulator criticised over whistle-blower response

Regulator criticised over whistle-blower response Major failings have been identified at the body responsible for regulating England's health and care sector.

Two reviews into the Care Quality Commission (CQC) were ordered after an employment tribunal found surgeon Shyam Kumar had been unfairly dismissed by the independent regulator after raising patient safety concerns.

The reviews found problems with how whistle-blowing concerns were acted on.

But they said there was no evidence of race discrimination in the case. BBC News

See also:

• Listening, learning, responding to concerns Care Quality Commission
• The Elms: CQC apologises to family in care home death case BBC News

Blood tests may spare cancer patients chemo

Blood tests may spare cancer patients chemo A blood test which can detect traces of cancer cells could spare thousands of patients unnecessary chemotherapy every year.

A major bowel cancer trial is examining whether the test can show if surgery has removed all of the tumour.

Doctors say half of patients with stage 3 bowel cancer are cured by surgery alone so by using chemotherapy they are over-treating many people.

About 1,600 bowel cancer patients are being recruited to the UK study. BBC News

NHS could work 'smarter' to help plug workforce shortages, leader says

NHS could work 'smarter' to help plug workforce shortages, leader says The NHS could make “significant dents” in plugging workforce shortages by working “smarter” and more efficiently, its chief strategy officer has said.

Chris Hopson said more staff were needed but the NHS could also work differently to deal with chronic staff shortages. Evening Standard

Mental health hospital facing teen mistreatment claims to shut after Sky News investigation

Mental health hospital facing teen mistreatment claims to shut after Sky News investigation A mental health hospital for teenagers is to close months after Sky News revealed accusations of the overuse of restraint and medication along with inadequate staffing and training.

Former workers claimed the alleged failings at Taplow Manor in Maidenhead, Berkshire, put young people at risk.

Bupa Dental Care to cut 85 practices amid UK dentist shortage

Bupa Dental Care to cut 85 practices amid UK dentist shortage Bupa Dental Care is to cut 85 dental practices this year in a move that will affect 1,200 staff across the UK, amid a national shortage of dentists and “systemic” challenges across the industry.

The private healthcare group said patients at the affected practices had not been able to access the NHS dental service they needed. The Guardian

See also:

• Bupa set to close Corby dental practice - and Wellingborough site is 'under review' Northamptonshire Telegraph

Losing weight cuts your risk of heart attacks and type 2 diabetes - even if you put it back on

Losing weight cuts your risk of heart attacks and type 2 diabetes - even if you put it back on Losing weight can cut the chances of heart attacks and type 2 diabetes — even if you put some of it back on.

Oxford University researchers found those who shed the pounds still enjoyed health benefits five years later, even if they regained a proportion of the weight. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Long-Term Effect of Weight Regain Following Behavioral Weight Management Programs on Cardiometabolic Disease Incidence and Risk: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (open access) Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes

How Covid-19 has a lasting impact on Northampton three years on from the start of the first lockdown

How Covid-19 has a lasting impact on Northampton three years on from the start of the first lockdown It has been three years since former Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the UK's first lockdown.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a wide-ranging impact on life in the UK, from health to education and the economy.

We looked at the latest data to see how West Northamptonshire has changed since the first lockdown. Northampton Chronicle and Echo

Full list of where 103 bleed kits and bleed control cabinets are located in Northamptonshire

Full list of where 103 bleed kits and bleed control cabinets are located in Northamptonshire Following on from the tragic fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old in Northampton last week, this newspaper is publishing a full list of where potentially life saving bleed kits are located across Northamptonshire. Northamptonshire Telegraph

Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2022: Results from the British Social Attitudes survey

Public satisfaction with the NHS and social care in 2022: Results from the British Social Attitudes survey The Nuffield Trust and The King’s Fund have joined forces again to publish the gold-standard measure of public attitudes and opinions towards the NHS and social care, as surveyed by NatCen during 2022. This report shows public satisfaction with the health service has slumped to its lowest level ever recorded in the 40-year history of the British Social Attitudes survey.

See also:

• Time for Government to ‘get its head out of the sand’ BMA
• British Social Attitudes Survey results are in – our response Healthwatch
• British Social Attitudes: Satisfaction with the NHS falls to the lowest level ever recorded The King's Fund
• A long way back – public satisfaction with health and care services at record lows The King's Fund
• Drop in public satisfaction with the NHS 'a red flag for government' NHS Confederation
• NHS Providers responds to new report on public satisfaction with the NHS NHS Providers
• NHS response to the British Social Attitudes Survey results NHS England
• There are simply not enough GPs to deliver the care and services we are trained for Royal College of General Practitioners
• RCN responds to the British Social Attitudes Survey Royal College of Nursing
• NHS: Public satisfaction with health service drops to record low BBC News
• More than HALF of public is dissatisfied with ailing NHS for first time ever The Daily Mail
• Majority of public unhappy with NHS for first time, survey finds The Daily Telegraph
• 'Wake-up call' for government as NHS and GP satisfaction hit all-time low GPonline
• Satisfaction with the NHS plummets to lowest level in 40 years The Guardian
• Public satisfaction with NHS hits all-time low, with dissatisfaction doubling in two years, survey says The Independent
• Unhappiness with the NHS has reached record highs - but the public still supports it Sky News

Spotlight on maternity care: your stories, your rights (report)

Spotlight on maternity care: your stories, your rights (report) Women should be able to have confidence that they will receive safe, effective, compassionate maternity care that focuses on their individual needs. That is the experience of many people. But too many families still face care that puts the safety and wellbeing of women and babies at risk.

In this report, we look at themes from maternity complaints families have brought to us, to shine a light on their experiences and encourage others to let their voices be heard. Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman

See also:

• Even more mothers and babies will be harmed unless failing NHS maternity services are rapidly overhauled, damning report warns The Daily Mail
• More maternity tragedies will occur unless rapid changes are made – report Evening Standard
• Mothers and babies being put at risk due to unsafe NHS maternity services, report says The Guardian
• More maternity tragedies will occur unless rapid changes are made – report The Independent

Technology-enabled lives: delivering outcomes for people and providers

Technology-enabled lives: delivering outcomes for people and providers This paper (produced in partnership with over 30 organisations) highlights the lack of widespread adoption of digital social care services despite the public’s desire for technology to better support those who draw on social care and health services. The paper reveals that only a handful of councils, housing, and care organisations are delivering digital care in people’s homes at scale. This is despite evidence that using technology in social care keeps people safe, healthy, and happy at home. TEC Action Alliance

Increased funding for care homes providing nursing

Increased funding for care homes providing nursing Increased funding for care homes providing nursing will support tens of thousands of care home residents with nursing needs following confirmation that government will increase the rate by 5% for 2023 to 2024, including those with learning and physical disabilities. Department of Health and Social Care

Bullying and toxic culture at NHS trust, report finds

Bullying and toxic culture at NHS trust, report finds Repeated cases of bullying and a toxic environment at one of England's largest NHS trusts have been found in a review.

The Bewick report was ordered after a BBC Newsnight investigation heard from staff at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) saying a climate of fear had put patients at risk.

It cites anger that senior staff did not attend the funeral of Vaish Kumar, a junior doctor who killed herself.

The West Midlands trust said it fully accepted the report's recommendations. BBC News

See also:

• University Hospitals Birmingham: Phase 1 review (Bewick report)  IQ4U Clinical Safety
• Response to review into patient safety University Hospitals Birmingham
• Patient safety review into University Hospitals Birmingham published Birmingham and Solihull ICB
• Report into University Hospitals Birmingham shows "toxic" culture BMA
• Statement on the Bewick review into patient safety and concerns at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) Healthwatch Birmingham
• Culture of fear still prevalent at Birmingham NHS trust - Bewick BBC News
• Bullying, cronyism and a ‘corrosive’ culture: Damning verdict on one of NHS’s biggest trusts The Independent
• Corrosive’ culture at NHS trust could put patient safety at risk, report finds The Independent
• 10 damning findings uncovered in the University Hospitals Birmingham report ITV News
• 'Corrosive' bullying culture at 'toxic' NHS trust could put patient care at risk, review finds after doctor's death Sky News

Treasury will find extra cash to fund NHS pay offer, says Jeremy Hunt

Treasury will find extra cash to fund NHS pay offer, says Jeremy Hunt Jeremy Hunt has conceded the Treasury will have to find extra money to fund the pay offer to NHS staff, though the Department of Health and Social Care will also be forced to make savings.

Health unions are now consulting their members on the offer, which includes a one-off bonus of up to 8.2% for this year and a pay rise of 5% from April, plus more for the lowest-paid. The Guardian

See also:

• NHS Confederation responds to Secretary of State's comments on AfC pay offer NHS Confederation
• NHS Providers responds to secretary of state's pay offer statement NHS Providers
• NHS pay deal: UK Treasury to provide extra funding Channel 4 News
• Health chiefs say NHS pay offer must be fully funded after government pledge The Guardian

Women in England with advanced cervical cancer to be offered new treatment

Women in England with advanced cervical cancer to be offered new treatment Hundreds of women in England are to be offered the first new treatment for advanced cervical cancer in about 15 years on the NHS, officials have announced, amid a concerted push to boost women’s health.

The immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab will be available to those with incurable forms of the disease immediately after it won the green light from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), the drugs regulator. Currently, two women with the disease die every day. The Guardian

See also:

• Hundreds of people are set to receive the first immunotherapy drug for advanced cervical cancer through the Cancer Drugs Fund National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
• First new life-extending NHS treatment for incurable cervical cancer in almost 15 Years NHS England
• NHS will offer pembrolizumab cervical cancer drug in England BBC News
• Patients with incurable cervical cancer offered life-extending drug The Independent

NHS treating hundreds of children as young as 13 for gaming disorders

NHS treating hundreds of children as young as 13 for gaming disorders Hundreds of children are being treated for video game disorders by the NHS, including some who have been driven to attack their own family.

New figures reveal that 745 people have been referred to the National Centre for Gaming Disorders since it opened in October 2019, the only clinic of its kind in the UK. Sky News

See also:

• NHS treats hundreds with gaming disorders NHS England

Why 8,000 - not 10,000 - might be the magic number when it comes to daily steps

Why 8,000 - not 10,000 - might be the magic number when it comes to daily steps f 10,000 daily steps seems like a bridge too far, you might be in luck. 

Scientists have found that 8,000 is enough to significantly lower the risk of an early death.

Achieving that target on just one or two days cut the mortality risk by 15 percent in a study of 3,000 middle-aged people. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Association of Daily Step Patterns With Mortality in US Adults (open access) JAMA Network Open

Number of Brits getting cosmetic surgery doubles in a year

Number of Brits getting cosmetic surgery doubles in a year Britain's new-found love for the brow lift was unearthed in an annual report from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

It showed how cosmetic surgery as a whole is once again booming, after nosediving over the past few years. 

More than 31,000 procedures were carried out in 2022 — double that of 2021. The Daily Mail

See also:

• Cosmetic Surgery Boom: BAAPS National Audit Reveals 102% Rise in Procedures during 2022 British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
• UK cosmetic procedure numbers recover after Covid BBC News